Diamond Club CVIII Night Cycling

This event had been something for us to look forward to in our increasingly mundane working lives. As usual, I prepared my gear and set off when the appropriate time came for the r.v. point (East Coast Park). I may have beaten my personal best with a timing of 1hr 5min and an average speed in excess of 30km/h (estimated).

I reached East Coast Park at 9pm and linked up with Zi Kai while we waited for the others to come. By the time we had settled all the attendance taking and briefing, it was close to 11pm and we started to move out, with me leading Team 1.

It was at the ECP flyover that I met my first real fall on the road. A truck was intending to turn but the traffic lights were in my favour. I signaled to the driver to wait with my right hand but he seemed hesitant as the truck slowed then moved again. Instinctively, I jammed the left brake lever with full force, locking up the front wheels and sending the bike into a tumble. While I landed perfectly without even a sign of an abrasion =), my bike was not so lucky. Now adding to the long list of battle scars are scratches on the gear shifters, handlebars, saddle and front fork. Also, the front light took the full impact and was ripped off its cradle. Amazingly, the light was still working although the cradle was questionably destroyed beyond repair (I did manage to fix it later).

While I blame myself for making such a mistake, I wonder what might have happened if I had not stopped. Chances are I may get through but there's also a great chance of being mowed down by the truck. I reacted instinctively and that action probably saved my life. The only thing I could have done to prevent an "endo" was to keep both arms tight on the bars but at the point in time, I was signaling with my right hand.

My MTB may have sustained some aesthetic damage but I believe its functionality has not been compromised. In the looks department, it will never hold a candle to the latest full suspension marvel of technology. In the performance category, it can never match up to the high-end, specialised machines either. Yet, the modifications which have gone unnoticed by most, have given the entry-level bicycle an edge over many others. I am hoping that this configuration is optimal at a cost-performance balance. My personal preference has always been an MTB with a good mix of speed on the road and off-road capabilities. So far, I am very satisfied and have no intentions on further modifications.

Sembawang - Ang Mo Kio - Balestier - Lavender - East Coast - Nicoll Highway - Republic Avenue - Esplanade Drive - Keppel Road - Labrador Park - West Coast Park - Ulu Pandan - Orchard - Singapore Arts Museum - East Coast - Sembawang (kind of LTA Wu to give me a lift home with a stripped bike in his boot)

Total distance: 80km
Money spent: $9.15
Participants: Commanders of CBRE DG

A matter of costs

I estimate that cycling to camp shaves about $4 off my transport fees, per return trip. In total, I get to save from $8 (by cycling on 2 weekdays) to about $16 (by cycling on 4 weekdays) a week. Total journey time from home takes about 35min, covering a distance of about 12km at a leisurely pace.

Up to date, all fixed and variable costs arising from the purchase of my bike, miscellaneous equipment and spare parts have amounted up to slightly over $1000. Over a period of 19 months, this means a daily cost of about $1.80 (30 days a month). Base on an average of 2 return trips to work a week and a full day expedition during the weekend (consider rental fee of $10 a day) with the use of public transport and a rental bike for the weekend trip, I will potentially incur a cost of $2.60 per day. To sustain this passion over 19 months, $1482 will be needed as compared to the more economic $1000 investment in a personal bike.

At this rate of cycling, I have definitely "broken even" =)

Arny Half-Marathon 08 (24 Aug 08)

This post is definitely something different from the others. I didn't cycle, I ran instead.

Total Distance: 21km
Category: Men's Open (Competitive)
Time taken : 1hr 44min
Participants: The Army, members of the public

The weather was not too good, kind of towards cloudy and rainy. The Padang was a huge mud surface, totally destroying our shoes. Last year's location (floating platform) was better. Other than that, I am okay with the run. I really do hope the Westerner who collapsed is alright. His wife and baby were devastated when he was rushed to the ambulance.

Kota Tinggi (16 -17 August 08)

It feels too good to be true that we had cycled to Kota Tinggi and back. A very long time ago (at least some 12 years back), Kota Tinggi was rather inaccessible and it took half a day just to get to the waterfalls. Public transport has since improved by leaps and bounds, i.e. the buses are more frequent and consistent. I remembered the times when there was only one bus per hour or two from the town to the waterfalls. The roads were winding and narrow, yet the driver somehow managed to keep the four wheels on the tarmac at speeds in excess of 100km/h. In those days, entry to the waterfalls was free, then a minimal fee was charged. Today, an adult will have to pay RM9 just to take a dip under the cascading flow of water.

Kerry's two friends pulled out of the trip due to some parental disagreement, leaving the three of us: Zi Kai, Kerry and myself. Kerry's dad gave him a lift to Marsiling and we linked up with him there at 8.15a.m. There was no change in terms of our rides from the previous time with the exception of Zi Kai who had to use my dad's Polygon. Nevertheless, it's still a better bike compared to the Mojave 4.0 he used in Pengerang.

The Woodlands checkpoint was jammed with the motorbike queue stretching all the way back to the BKE while the car queue was not much better. Since we could not cross over to the motorcycle lane, we had no choice but to join the car queue. Much to our delight, an ICA officer waved us on to the front of the car queue and a couple of minutes later we were comfortably across the checkpoint. Looking for the white forms was a hassle but not for us because Zi Kai managed to get them from some woman in a car. Wonder what he did, man..haha...

The 40km ride from Johor Bahru to Kota Tinggi under the sweltering morning heat posed some challenges. It was not uneventful as we encountered a puncture, a couple of friendly cyclists and also curious drivers. The roads linking the city were very busy and it was awhile before we hit the countryside. The scenery was good but the steep climbs proved challenging and most of our attention were centered on conquering the climbs. We had a few breaks along the way...admired Kerry's drifting skill (from my perspective) before we finally pulled into the town of Kota Tinggi at around 12.30p.m. KFC proved to be an instant hit, with all three of us agreeing immediately. We actually slacked there until 2p.m before looking for a hotel.

The first motel we checked out (Pilton, if i am not wrong) was really sub-standard. For RM68 per night (2 pax), it was horrendous. The second one was way better. At RM80, we could get a spacious room for 3 guys and their bicycles (some effort in convincing the hotel owners to let us bring our bikes into the rooms). One of the surprises of the budget hotel was no doubt, the automatic card key which switched on the electricity.

After dumping some load, we set off for Air Tebrau (the term for waterfall in Melayu), despite the threat of inclement weather. It did rain and we sought some shelter along the way. Some guy actually pulled up in his Proton to ask for directions. He approached the wrong people and left quite pissed. The waterfall was about 13 - 15km from town. The entry fee was very expensive hence we opted to explore the area (a little off-roading). At the Rainforest Resort, we found quite many Singaporeans. An NPCC adventure camp was in progress, but the participants were wet and dirty; and obviously not having a lot of fun. (The conducting and safety staff were at the dining area!) We had a drink which came with the RM5 entrance fee, not very worth it, but at least we had a good look at the resort, played with a parrot, ran into some Westerners, had a muddy off-road experience and had an interesting conversation with the carekeeper.

At about 5.45p.m, we headed back to town, sneaked the bikes past the reception and had a wonderful shower. Then we headed out for dinner at some hawker centre. An ordinary dish of Nasi Goreng Ayam tasted good =) Checking out the town, we found some Ice Kachang and Ramly burgers. More food, greater satisfaction. Then it was off to shopping and checking out the shopping mall.

After closing hours, we retired to our room, watched some OIympic events on Mediacorp Channel 5, yes, Mediacorp, before transiting into dreamland. Zi Kai claimed that he could wake up at 7a.m; that was obviously not the case as he was once again the last to wake up at 8a.m. We went down to have some prata (3 kosong and a cup of tea 'O' cost me only S$1.50!) before packing up for our return trip.

40km back to Johor Bahru! This sounds so little but the terrain added some fun =) Somehow, luck was not really on our side as we encountered yet another puncture. Zi Kai was really unlucky with 2 flats in 2 days on the same wheel. It rained again just as we were reaching Johor Bahru. On our way back, we met a couple of cars carrying race bikes, probably returning from the triathlon at Desaru over the weekend. Lunch was at J.B and we breezed through the car lane of the Woodlands checkpoint once again to reach our home country safely. A pit stop was made at Woodlands where I hungrily and thirstily devoured a bowl of ice kachang and a cup of soya bean.

Then it was a mad pedal back home with me and Zi Kai so relieved that our weekend getaway had ended. I must salute Kerry for that brave cycle back home. I think he must have clocked 150km! Kudos to him. I look forward to our next ride and pray that Zi Kai can come along.

Total distance traveled in 2 days: 120km
Money spent: $26
Participants: Zi Kai, Kerry, LSH

Prep for ride to Kota Tinggi

Packlist (2D1N trip)

1. MTB (totally essential)
   
2. Front and back lights (essential)
3. Helmet, gloves, shades (recommended)
4. Covered shoes (essential)
5. Extra inner tubes, patch kit (essential)
6. Pump (essential)
   
7. Passport (totally essential)
8. Money in ringgit (totally essential)
9. Water, at least 3l (essential)
10. One extra set of clothes (good to have)
11. Windbreaker (good to have)
12. Camera (good to have)
13. Toilet paper (important)
14. Map and compass (essential for team leader)

Bike Readiness Check

1. Pressure check
2. Brakes check
3. Wheel alignment
4. Gear alignment and shifting
5. Ensure all nuts, catches and Allen screws are tightened
6. Saddle height adjustment
7. Proper mounting of lights

Good to go =)

Southern Ridges Night Cycling (10 - 11 August 08)

Sembawang - Bukit Timah - Holland - Kent Ridge - Mount Faber - Orchard - Balestier - Upper Thomson - Mandai - Woodlands - Sembawang (approx 100km)

Participants: Justin Lee & co, Kerry, LSH

Pengerang - Desaru Loop (26 - 27 July 08)

After a ride to Senai (about 80km in total) with Dad a few weekends back, the urge to explore Johor further became irresistible. After some research done over the Internet (especially with Google Maps and cycling websites), I had in mind a few viable routes to explore. Kota Tinggi and Pontian were two options accessible by the Woodlands Checkpoint while Pengerang had to be accessed by boat via the Tanjung Pengelih jetty. After experiencing the human jam (more like motorbike jam) and choking exhausts at the Woodlands checkpoint, Pengerang suddenly seemed the better option. Better still, Kerry, Zi Kai and Guang Hao were willing to come along!

Thus, on the morning of 26 July 08, we assembled at Changi Village at around 9.30a.m. Kerry chose to bring his Diamondback Coil while Guang Hao borrowed a certain more ancient soft-tail from him. I stuck with my M20, choosing to ride 30km from home in the north to Changi Village, coincidentally meeting Kerry and G.H. on the way. Zi Kai rented a Raleigh Mojave 4.0 and we headed for the Ferry Terminal. The trip to Tanjung Pengelih by bumboat cost $8 per pax and $3 per bike.

Reaching Tanjung Pengilih at just after 11a.m, we cleared the customs and set off for Sungei Rengit by the coastal road (J52), deviating slightly for some off-road fun. It took us about an hour before we reached the small town. There were several motels to check out and we settled for a cosy room for four at just RM80 per night! That means each of us just have to pay less than $10! There was even a luxurious, spacious room with LCD TV available for only RM140 but we decided that spartan living conditions were satisfactory for just a night. After lunch at Marrybrown's where we were quite disgusted at the hygiene level of the food, we headed for Desaru (via route 90).

The stars of the trip @ Changi Ferry Terminal (left) and the small town of Sungei Rengit (right)

After a two and a half hours journey, we reached Desaru at around 4.30p.m. As I expected, we met with the typical Malaysian Climate and terrain. Hot and humid weather plus rolling terrains. It was a torture to climb up the long inclines and a joy on the descend but our morale certainly took a hit when we approached yet another steep climb on the never-ending road. At regular intervals, we just simply sat on the gravel beside the road to rest, watching the vehicles speed past at 100km/h just mere metres away. I think the competitive 16km the day before wore me out. I was already struggling when we hit Desaru.

Food was a relief! After having covered 90km, getting "invited out" for intruding on a private beach, attracting curious stares and having to ride further into Desaru to look for a "public" beach, I didn't care if the Nasi Ayam was below par. I was more than relieved to slack on the beach for about 45min before we headed back to Sungei Rengit (via route 92).

By 7.45a.m, it was complete nightfall. The roads were not lit by lampposts hence it was really cycling in the dark. Our bikes had front and rear lights but Zi Kai's rental bike lacked the lights. Worse still, he was wearing a black tee. As the second rider behind me, G.H. and Kerry could not see him! I was shocked to "see" no one behind when I turned back while passing through the darker sections of the road.

Thoroughly exhausted when we arrived back at Sungei Rengit, we had a good "zi-char" dinner at one of the restaurants (every coffee shop in Malaysia is called "restoran") close to our motel. It did not cost much, only about $6 per pax for four dishes and drinks. Thereafter, we headed to our rooms for a good rest and some enormous mangoes =)

The next morning, we had some wanton mee (RM3.50) before checking out and heading the ostrich farm near Kampung Teluk Ramunia. For a fee for RM10, we had an introductory tour of the farm. The birds were quite cute, especially the babies. Of course, some of them were a bit "bonked" up there. Care for an ostrich massage, anyone?

Zi Kai satisfied with his meal (left) and me on the way back (right)

Lunch back at Rengit consisted bakut-teh (RM6). Stomachs filled, we broke our own "speed" record back to Tanjung Pengelih in 45min, averaging 28km/h =P The wait for the bumboat took quite a while, nevertheless, we were back in Changi by 3.30p.m. after nearly an hour of grueling suntanning and small talk on the deck of the boat.

Zi Kai elated that his ordeal is about to end, or is it? (left) and exhausted on the bumboat back (right)

We parted ways at Changi Village, me and Zi Kai heading for East Coast Park while the other two headed for home. Amazingly, we still rode at a decent pace and by the time we hit McDonald's at East Coast, I really needed an energy booster. That came in the form of an apple pie and ice-cream cone. It got me all the way home.

Total distance traveled in 2 days: 200km

Money spent: $55
Participants: Zi Kai, Kerry, Guang Hao, LSH

Ostrich eggs are strong (above)

Some shots of Team DTY during Bike Asia 100 Mountain Bike Race (12 April 08)

Jubilant after the race!

"What the heck!"

Tent! Courtesy of our team manager =)

Taking a breather!

Ben in action.

World Champion Tinker Juarez!

Steady Faizul

Unpacking, prep for race

Me in action!

Participants: Faizul Zakaria, Ben, Lim M.W., LSH

Cycling around Singapore

For starters, try cycling around Singapore! One round-island loop can come up to about 120km, depending on which route you take. As the lanes are kinda small on this island, do take extra caution when riding on the roads (cycling on the pavements is illegal). Stick to the left-most lane and watch out for those big vehicles that tend to brush past you. They are always too close for comfort.

Some tips:
1. Plan your route (whether in Singapore or abroad) by checking out Google Maps online.
2. Water-proof your valuables.
3. An important aspect of cycling is self-sustainability. Bring your extra inner tubes, pump, multi-purpose tools, patch kits, some food and water.
4. Food and water is readily available in Singapore, hence a lesser concern. This is NOT so in many places abroad.
5. Helmet, gloves and shades are recommended for protection and extra comfort.
6. Never leave your bike unattended! A lock can solve this problem but do take note that no lock cannot be cut! It is only a matter of time.

Below are some good places worth exploring.

MTB Trails in Singapore (in decreasing order of difficulty)
1. Ketam Montain Bike Park (Pulau Ubin)
2. Kent Ridge Park
3. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve MTB Trail
4. Tampines Trail
5. Mandai T-15 / Gangsa

Roads
1. Changi Coastal Road (very long, scenic and alongside Changi Airport)
2. Lim Chu Kang Road (long and smooth, a favourite with car racers)
3. Mandai Road (long and rolling)
4. West Coast Road (heavy traffic)
5. Woodlands Road / Bukit Timah Road (heavy traffic)

Have fun cycling round-island!

The Raleigh M20 and NRWC 07' Polygon

In early 2007, with a very limited budget, I acquired a Raleigh M20 to further pursue my interests. The above picture shows my bike (stock) after a round at the Bukit Timah MTB trail.

Modified (mid 2008)

Thousands of kilometres of off-roading and some competitive riding have worn out several parts, hence within the span of 2 years, I have made some modifications. In fact, many modifications, such that only the frame, handlebar, stem and derailleurs remain stock. These modifications include a Spinner Echo fork, Shimano Alivio 8-speed system, Weinmann Zac-19 XC rims, Truvativ FiveD crankset...the list goes on.

National Runway Cycling 2007 Polygon

The bike which my dad acquired in mid 2007, another addition to the bike family.

The beginning...

I believe my first "real" bike journey began with a 30km trip to Sentosa. That was quite a long time ago...

Mount Faber was another interesting place. However, the steep climb was something to contend with. Once at the peak, the views were breathtaking. The road downhill provided the perfect opportunity to test your speed limit and of course, your skills at making high speed turns.



Biking to various places around Singapore was something to look forward to during the weekends (me posing with my long-gone Aleoca Capitano at Pasir Ris Park many years ago).

Participants: Dad, Mum, Bro, LSH